Influenza Health Advisory

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta State University health officials have
confirmed two cases of the H1N1 influenza virus, including a high
school student participating in the Governor’s Honors Program
(GHP), which is hosted on the university campus.

Both students sought treatment at VSU’s Student Health Center and
are recuperating at home. As part of the center’s standard
protocol, a culture sample was taken and sent to the Georgia Public
Health Laboratory for testing.

The university’s priority continues to be the safety and care of
its students and university community. VSU officials are
coordinating with state and local health agencies to monitor and
minimize the impact of this year’s influenza season and other
public health challenges. If the situation changes, appropriate
action will be taken.

“We need to remember that in this country, most people who have
become ill with H1N1 flu have had symptoms similar to regular
seasonal flu and have recovered without requiring medical
treatment,” said Dr. Edwin L. Hiatt, director and physician for
VSU’s Student Health Center.

“Students should stay away from classes and large social gatherings
for seven days after the onset of flu symptoms or at least 24 hours
after symptoms have resolved,” Hiatt said. “We encourage students
to first call the center, if possible, and speak to a health
professional, who will be happy to answer questions and provide
guidance to students who are having flu-like symptoms and
facilitate treatment for those needing medical care.”

GHP students and parents have been notified that a student was
confirmed to have the H1N1 virus and recovering at home, according
to Director Joe Searle. As recommended by the Centers for Disease
Control and the Georgia Division of Public Health, the Governors
Honor Program will continue to operate. The CDC H1N1 Guidance for
Day and Residential Camps is available online at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/camp.htm
.

However, as recommended by the CDC, modifications are being made to
the GHP schedule designed to minimize large group gatherings of
students and reduce direct student contact. GHP and Georgia
Department of Education officials are closely monitoring students’
health to determine if the response plan needs to be re-evaluated.
Parents are allowed to withdraw their children from GHP if they so
desire.

University officials encourage the campus community to follow the
CDC recommendations:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also
effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that
way.

Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep
from infecting them.